Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 93: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges explained
Danceny writes to Cecilia expressing his distress over her distrust of Valmont, who is his friend and the only means for them to see each other.
What happens
Danceny writes to Cecilia expressing his distress over her distrust of Valmont, who is his friend and the only means for them to see each other. He questions her love and sincerity, fearing her affections have changed due to her mother's influence, and pleads for her to consent to a meeting to restore their happiness.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because Valmont reaches the peak of his sadistic triumph—the "brilliant éclat" of…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love, Virtue, and Corruption
Danceny's passionate plea reveals the tension between genuine love and the corrupting influence of distrust and external manipulation, as he fears Cecilia's virtue has been compromised by her mother.
- Seduction and Manipulation
Valmont's role as the facilitator of the correspondence highlights the manipulative dynamics at play, as Danceny unknowingly relies on a master manipulator to sustain his relationship.
Characters to notice
- Chevalier Danceny
Writes a letter of complaint and longing to Cecilia, expressing hurt over her distrust of Valmont and pleading for a meeting.
- Cecilia Volanges
Recipient of Danceny's letter; accused of distrusting Valmont and being influenced by her mother, with her love and candor questioned.
- Viscount de Valmont
Mentioned as Danceny's friend and the only person who can facilitate a meeting between Danceny and Cecilia.
- Madame de Volanges
Implied as having possibly destroyed Cecilia's affection and candor, influencing her actions.
Key passages
“I cannot conceal my affliction at hearing from Valmont how much you still distrust him.”
I am deeply troubled to learn from Valmont that you continue to distrust him.
Danceny opens the letter by expressing his pain over Cecilia's distrust of Valmont.
“Has your mama, by destroying your affection for me, also destroyed your candour?”
Has your mother, in ruining your love for me, also ruined your honesty?
Danceny questions whether Madame de Volanges has corrupted both Cecilia's feelings and her truthfulness.
“You alone, my Cecilia, are the arbitress of my fate; you alone can decide on my happiness or misery.”
Only you, my Cecilia, control my destiny; you alone can determine whether I am happy or miserable.
Danceny places his entire emotional well-being in Cecilia's hands, emphasizing her power over his fate.
